9. Murder online
Shoot while locations are open. It costs money to compensate a diner for shutting down during the breakfast shift so you can get your shot. Shoot while they’re open and they may not charge you a thing. Of course, you don’t have the same control as you do when you ‘own’ a location, and of course, this tip doesn’t work for every scene, but I’ve been shocked by how many times I’ve gotten away with this. On “Mutual Friends,” in particular, we shot at a bakery, yoga studio, cafe, Asian goods emporium, and other locations, all while the businesses were operating normally.